There is no denying how much of a cultural impact Tomodachi Life had on gaming back in the 2010’s. Its quirky, nonsensical, sometimes manic gameplay set it apart from a lot of the simulation games that were released around that time.
Compared to The Sims, Animal Crossing and even Harvest Moon which had the player focus on chores, responsibilities and progression, Tomodachi Life takes on a more laid back, humorous and surreal approach to everyday life, as it spices up the mundane and hits you with rather strange situations. It thrives on spontaneity and randomness.
The game is set on an island where you populate an apartment complex with Miis of your choice—friends, family, celebrities, or even fictional characters. Each Mii has their own distinct personality traits and voice settings, making them feel surprisingly lifelike in their own quirky way.
So, my cozy gamers, grab your 3DS, create your favourite Miis, and get ready to experience a cozy game unlike any other, as we talk about how Tomodachi Life is the perfect (and often overlooked) cozy 3DS game!
I’m talking to you Nintendo, release the sequel already!!!
Tomodachi Life: Why It's the Perfect Cozy 3DS Game
Tomodachi Life takes place on a bright, pre-built island full of shops, idyllic locations and an apartment complex that houses your created Miis. Unlike other games, you actually take on the role of your real life self, and not a Mii, playing as a god like individual that simply interacts with the Mii islanders, rather than control their every whim.
You get to feed them, buy them new clothes, and help them out when they have a problem. If they are sad, you can cheer them up, if they’re sick, you give them medicine. You literally act like their big brother/sister, and it’s rewarding to learn more and bond with these quirky characters- and quirky they are!
On paper it sounds like a pretty normal life simulation game, right? But Tomodachi Life is far from ordinary. As you have little control over them, they will go off and do some pretty unusual things at times. Yes, you can catch them having coffee together at the local diner, but the topic of the conversations can be weird and make you question their sanity, or you can even tap into their dreams, and see some pretty unusual stuff play out.
And don’t get me started on the rap battles that take place by the fountains- I never knew that my Dad was a natural born rap artist and wordsmith, but here we are!
I should note that many of the activities and scenarios don’t offer rewards, they’re just fun to watch, and sometimes can progress their own relationships with the other islanders. Although it was highly frustrating to stop the Mii version of my best friend crushing over my dad, brother and brother-in-law! GOD DAMN. STOP IT! And yes, Mii’s can not only form friendships, but relationships too, as their goals are to get married and have children- and of course, you can help make it happen, or not.
There is a notable lack of solid goals and objects in Tomodachi Life, making it less of a game and more of an experience. Yes, you do unlock content by completing tasks, but it’s not really needed. Observing my sister run across the beach or watching my mother sell goodie bags at the funfair doesn’t offer much in terms of progression, but it;s still one of my favourite things to do.
Although Tomodachi Life won’t let you build the perfect virtual life like in The Sims, or allow you to uplift an island in Animal Crossing, that’s not really the point of the game. It’s all about the experience and forming meaningful bonds with Mii characters who are just trying to live out their whacky lives- and it’s so rewarding just to be a part of.
As Tomodachi Life isn’t a video game as such, it’s probably best enjoyed in smaller doses. Even with plenty of Mii’s occupying the island, checking in and helping with everyone’s problems won’t provide hours of tangible gripping gameplay, and you’ll probably find yourself constantly flipping between locations trying to find something to do. So, I would usually recommend playing Tomodachi Life daily, but splitting your sessions up, so that you always have something to do.
Overall Tomodachi Life provides some unforgettable, whacky and sometimes endearing moments, which evokes a range of connected emotions. It’s truly a cozy 3Ds game that needs to be included in your cozy gaming library and experienced by the masses. Now if you don’t mind, I’m just going to gift my sister a cheese themed bedroom.
